Series: Waterloo, Iowa, WWII Heritage City Lessons

This series of lessons develop an understanding of the significance of Waterloo, Iowa, an American World War II Heritage City. Highlights include defense industries and the increased opportunities for women during wartime. One lesson explores the home front impacts of the service and sacrifice of the local Sullivan brothers. The lessons connect to larger themes of the U.S. home front during wartime. A mix of primary and secondary sources are used, along with photos and media.

• Article 1: A Series of Lessons on Waterloo, Iowa, WWII Heritage City

  

  Four lessons support the development of understanding the significance of Waterloo, Iowa, an American World War II Heritage City. Highlights include defense industries and increased opportunities for women during wartime and women in service. One lesson explores the home front impacts of the service and sacrifice of the local Sullivan brothers. The lessons highlight specific contributions but connect to larger themes and understandings of the U.S. home front during WWII. Read more

• Article 2: (H)our History Lesson:War Manufacturing in Waterloo, Iowa, World War II Heritage City

  

  This lesson is part of a series about the World War II home front in an American World War II Heritage City. The lesson contains readings and photos to contribute to learners’ understandings about wartime production in Waterloo, Iowa. Students will learn about the manufacturing background of the city and the impact of two local manufacturers, John Deere Company and Rath Packing Company. Women were increasingly hired in both factories to fulfill employment demands. Read more

• Article 3: (H)our History Lesson: Home Front Experiences and Contributions by Women in Service in Waterloo, Iowa, World War II Heritage City

  

  This lesson is part of a series teaching about the WWII home front, with Waterloo, Iowa designated as an American WWII Heritage City. The lesson contains readings and photos to contribute to understandings about women in service on the home front, in and from Waterloo. Lesson examples include the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), and the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. The final reading connects to other home front topics. Read more

• Article 4: (H)our History Lesson: The Sullivan Brothers’ Legacy and Impact on the Home Front in Waterloo, Iowa, World War II Heritage City

  

  This lesson is part of a series teaching about the WWII home front, with Waterloo, Iowa designated as an American WWII Heritage City. The lesson contributes to understandings about service and sacrifice of local families. By examining the story of the Sullivan brothers – five brothers who lost their lives together, and whose family campaigned on the home front to encourage others to support the war efforts – the lesson connects to remembrance and heritage in Waterloo today. Read more

• Article 5: (H)our History Lesson: Waterloo, Iowa: Comparing and Connecting WWII Home Front cities About this Lesson

  

  This lesson is part of a series teaching about the World War II home front, with Waterloo, Iowa designated as an American WWII Heritage City. The lesson contains photographs, readings, an optional review text and media activity, and a culminating mastery project. The culminating project contributes to learners’ understandings of the city as a WWII Heritage City, with the opportunity to combine themes from the three other lessons in the Waterloo, Iowa lesson collection. Read more